a rare instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rare instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unusual or infrequent occurrence. Example: "In a rare instance, the team managed to complete the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was a rare instance of restraint.

The New York Times

It's a rare instance of self-awareness.

The Guardian

It was a rare instance where he did get rattled.

The New Yorker

But that was a rare instance of good public relations.

The New Yorker

Or was it a rare instance of generalized organ failure?

The Guardian - Opinion

The dispute is a rare instance where environmental cleanup and human health are in direct opposition.

The New York Times

"It's a rare instance where I don't mind being with people — I even enjoy people-watching.

The New Yorker

There are occasional congratulatory calls and "in a rare instance" polite exchanges about mild beefs.

The New York Times - Magazine

Stephen Dean's video "Pulse" provides a rare instance of extravagant color.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a fine quotation, a rare instance when adspeak and literature unite.

The New Yorker

Reverend Billy, though, is a rare instance of applying the practice powerfully in the information age.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rare instance", ensure the context clearly establishes what is considered normal or typical, so the rarity is evident to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a rare instance" when the situation is merely uncommon but not truly exceptional. Reserve it for events that significantly deviate from the usual pattern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rare instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It identifies a specific occurrence while emphasizing its infrequent nature or deviation from the norm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rare instance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an unusual or exceptional event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it correctly emphasizes the infrequency of the occurrence. Predominantly found in News & Media and academic contexts, it's crucial to ensure the context justifies the claim of rarity and to avoid overstating the situation. Consider alternatives like "an unusual case" or "an exceptional situation" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an infrequent occurrence

Replaces "rare instance" with synonyms emphasizing the low frequency of the event.

an unusual case

Substitutes "instance" with "case" to highlight the atypical nature of the situation.

an exceptional situation

Emphasizes the deviation from the norm using "exceptional" instead of "rare".

a singular event

Focuses on the uniqueness of the occurrence, differing from the common.

an isolated incident

Highlights the separation of the occurrence from typical patterns.

a departure from the norm

Expresses the idea of something diverging from what is usual or expected.

an anomaly

Uses a more scientific term to indicate something that deviates from the expected.

a one-off occasion

Indicates something that happens only once and is not repeated.

an atypical example

Replaces "instance" with "example" and "rare" with "atypical", emphasizing the lack of representativeness.

a freak event

Uses a more informal and emphatic term to denote an unusual and unexpected happening.

FAQs

How can I use "a rare instance" in a sentence?

Use "a rare instance" to describe something that doesn't happen often. For example, "It was "a rare instance" when the sun shone all day during the rainy season."

What can I say instead of "a rare instance"?

You can use alternatives like "an unusual case", "an exceptional situation", or "an isolated incident" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a rare instance" or "a rarely instance"?

"A rare instance" is correct. "Rare" is an adjective modifying "instance". "Rarely" is an adverb and wouldn't be used in this phrase structure.

What's the difference between "a rare instance" and "a unique instance"?

"A rare instance" implies something doesn't happen often, while "a unique instance" ("a unique instance") suggests something is the only one of its kind. They aren't always interchangeable.